Pathum Nissanka needs to score 36 runs more in T20Is to surpass Tillakaratne Dilshan on elite list
Nissanka is incredibly close to surpassing Dilshan's tally of runs in T20Is and becoming Sri Lanka's third-highest scorer in the format
Sri Lanka batter Pathum Nissanka has been a key figure in the side's T20I set-up for the last few years. Despite making his debut in the format in 2021, the 27-year-old is already the fourth-highest scorer for the Lankan Lions in the shortest format.
Nissanka has so far scored 1854 runs in 65 T20Is for Sri Lanka, including 14 half-centuries. The batter has a decent strike-rate of 121.65 in the format along with the highest individual score of 90. As the opener, Nissanka has gotten his side off to flying starts on several occasions in T20Is.
Nissanka is just 36 runs behind from overtaking the run-tally of Tillakaratne Dilshan in the shortest format. If the former does manage to surpass it, then he will become the third-highest run-scorer for the Lankan Lions in T20Is.
Here is the list of the Sri Lankan players with the most runs in T20Is -
1. Kusal Perera - 2080 runs
2. Kusal Mendis - 2007 runs
3. Tillakaratne Dilshan - 1889 runs
4. Pathum Nissanka - 1854 runs
5. Dasun Shanaka - 1511 runs
Nissanka has already been named in Sri Lanka's squad for the upcoming two-match ODI series against Zimbabwe and is likely to also be included in their three-match T20I assignment against the same opponent which will commence from September 3.
Nissanka will definitely have his eyes set on Asia Cup 2025 which will commence from September 9. Sri Lanka have been grouped alongside the likes of Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Hong Kong and will be aiming to win the tournament for the 7th time in their history.
